Ewing, NJ ... Matt Erny (Delran, NJ/Delran) is a senior defensive back for the men’s soccer team at TCNJ. He is a criminology major at The College and plans on becoming a police officer after graduation. If you run into Matt hanging out with his high school buddy, Kevin Luber, you might want to turn and walk in the other direction.
Question: During your career at TCNJ, what has been the most difficult aspect of playing soccer?
Matt Erny: The most difficult aspect was adjusting to the speed of the game at the collegiate level. The game moves much more quickly at the college level, especially in a conference as competitive as the NJAC.
Q: If you could tell a group of high school kids what you've enjoyed most about playing college soccer, what would it be?
ME: The opportunity to compete at a high level is the most exciting part of playing college soccer. This college always has one of the most competitive schedules in the country and every game is a battle. Being challenged and competing in every single game is the best part of playing college soccer.
Q: Since you went to high school with soccer teammate Kevin Luber, tell us something embarrassing about his high school days that he'd rather sweep under the carpet?
ME: We were very good friends in high school. One day we decided to make a fort in the woods and we began gathering supplies to make our new hang out. We noticed a neighbor of ours throwing out some carpet so we put it in a wagon to take it to our spot in the woods. Luber laid on his stomach on top of the carpet-filled wagon and rode it down a hill in our town. We later decided the carpet smelled strange so we left it on the side of the road. When we returned home our neighbor asked us if we took some of the carpet. He said that he was having his carpet replaced because his cat had lost control of his bladder and urinated all over his house. That's right! Kevin Luber laid face down on carpeting full of cat-urine. He still carries that distinct scent with him today.
Q: What type of job did you have working for the Lawrence Township Police and what surprised you the most about working at a police station?
ME: I had an opportunity to be in contact with all aspects of the police department. I spent most of my time riding in the patrol cars with the officers. What surprised me most was the wide variety of personalities that were present in the group of officers. Every officer's personality directly contributed to how they performed on the job.
Q: Where does your interest in Criminilogy stem from and what career path do you hope to follow after graduating from TCNJ?
ME: I have always been interested in criminology. Shows such as CSI and Forensic Files have always fascinated me. After graduation I plan on becoming a police officer at the municipal level.
Q: During a job interview, you're hooked up to a polygraph and the authority figure demands that you tell him the song or musical artist that you listen to that you would never admit to your friends. What is your answer?
ME: Shania Twain. "Man, I feel like a woman." She’s an original Diva.
Q: What is your favorite place to eat, favorite meal, and favorite thing to do outside of sports?
A: My favorite place to eat is Chickie and Pete’s. My favorite meal is chicken parm and other than playing sports I enjoy spending time outdoors and long walks on the beach.